I'm feeling inspired to write about this after spending a couple days with many people either currently sick, getting sick, or afraid of getting sick! Yes, it's that time of year again. So here is my immune "recipe," to be taken at first signs of illness, or at times of high exposure. I have had great success with this for everyone in my family. If you are already sick, this will help you get over it quicker, but this is most effective when started immediately after that "coming down with something" feeling.
1. Be extra religious about your regular supplements, which should include whole foods multivitamin/minerals, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics if you want your body and immune system to function top-notch. Cod Liver Oil contatins omega-3s and vitamin D. 91% of Americans tested have been found to be deficient in vit D, very important for immune function. (We don't get enough sun.) A good probiotic supplement will include multiple strains, not just acidophilus.
2. Take extra vitamin C (I like the emergen-C packets, available at Walmart or grocery store). Take extra zinc (like in Cold-ease)
3.Take extra probiotics (work in many ways to boost immune system and also prevent bad bacteria from taking over by blocking absorption sites in the intestines)
4.Take an immune-boosting supplement that includes echinacea and various other herbs that increase the abilities of your immune system.
5. Take colloidal silver (a homeopathic, fights both bacteria and viruses in the body)
6. Stop eating sugar! (ever noticed a pattern of getting sick after festivities?) Sugar helps the bad bacteria to proliferate and is essentially the "opposite" of probiotics, and also works in many other ways to suppress immune function.
7. Extra antioxidants (like high-antioxidant fruit juices). Also, drink lots of herbal tea! There are even some good ones to match with specific symptoms.
8. Once symptoms are present, take homeopathics to speed healing. Especially continue to take colloidal silver, and if you have flu symptoms take oscillococcinum found in the organic section of your grocery store, it is expensive but works amazing! It is the number one remedy prescribed in Europe, where drug companies don't have the same control over the health care system.
There is a common misconception people have that whether they get sick is based on whether they were adequately exposed to something. In actuality we have viruses and bacteria coming into our bodies all day long, and our immune systems are an AMAZING creation of God. They work in marvelous ways to filter out the bad and keep us healthy. Our modern love affair with drugs overlooks this, and drugs actually decrease immune system function. One easy example of that is Tylenol, since it brings down the fever which is the body's way of cleansing itself. The truth is that in almost all cases we don't have to get sick if we keep our immune systems functioning at their best, giving ourselves plenty of the nutrients needed to do the job. But I have my occasional sugar indulgences too, so it's helpful to have my immune tonics on hand.
Now if my entire recipe sounded foreign to you, just take an immune-boosting supplement and extra vitamin C for now. :)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Rx: Go to Whole Foods
How can I describe how elated I am to find a pediatrician I'm happy with?!
Back in the day when we had full coverage insurance and I took the kids for all their well-checks, I was very unimpressed with the lack of knowledge shown by the single pediatrician in Forest Lake. Rather than spending time looking for a better option, I just didn't worry about it considering I take a child to the dr about once every 2 years. Then the pediatrician left the clinic around the time Kai was born, and we also switched insurance to cut costs and have more freedom of choice since we would now pay for everything. I started asking around to come up with a MD who has similar values (natural healing first, no vaccines, homeopathics), and came up with a single name of a Dr within 25 miles of here. I was ecstatic to find out she was actually in network with the new insurance company! (Which would reduce my cost and count toward my deductible.) I decided as little as my kids go to the dr it was worth the drive to Minneapolis. I asked Shayna about her (since the peds at this clinic also work at HCMC) and found out Shayna works with her and would recommend her.
Ever since then I have been waiting for a chance to go to the Dr and start this relationship! But no such luck with the healthy kids. A couple of questionable times, I called to find no appointment was available, and ended up as usual having success with my home remedies. Yesterday Kavan's "diaper rash" (he may be potty trained but still gets SO wet overnight) had gotten so bad that I knew it was infected and didn't feel comfortable self-diagnosing it to be yeast or bacterial. I was able to get an appointment in a couple hours! So Ben came home from work and off we went in the wet snowfall to Minneapolis. The weather REALLY made me question what I was doing picking a dr so far away. I prayed to God that it would be worth it and that we would like this dr. I was nervous that she'd be busy (they'd squeezed me in) and try to rush me through. I was nervous about finding the clinic. I was nervous about parking. I was nervous about being in a waiting room forever with a room full of sick kids.
The clinic was easy to find, parking a breeze, waiting room empty, no wait, friendliest nurse ever, and even friendlier doctor! I LOVED her. She took her time with me and answered a lot of questions. In addition she gave advice about somewhat unrelated issues with Kav's skin and potential allergies, and referred me to a chiropractor who does a special kind of testing for food allergies that is beyond what they can do in medicine. She diagnosed him right away with a staph infection and told me we'd try to avoid oral antibiotics for now but gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream. She thought I'd likely need that, but when she sensed my preference for natural methods she gave me an informative handout on some other things to try first, including a recipe for skin infections using herbal tinctures. She advised using Calendula, giving vitamin C and drinking carrot juice. She asked me where I got those things in Forest Lake, and I sadly described my drive to Shoreview to shop at Fresh and Natural. As she said goodbye she said "Now go to Whole Foods while you're down here!"
I did not try to find Whole Foods since I knew it was in the opposite direction of my trip home, but my usual store was right on the way home and we stopped to buy the herbs. While I sat in the natural pharmacy aisle forever trying to figure out exactly what I needed, Kav entertained the store workers with several rounds of Jingle Bells. It was hard to spend so much more than I would have on the prescription drug, but I was thankful I could use my HSA since it was a dr's Rx.
A day later the infection seems to be gone. He's just scabbed up now. And Kav loves his carrot juice!
I can't wait to go back to the dr!
Back in the day when we had full coverage insurance and I took the kids for all their well-checks, I was very unimpressed with the lack of knowledge shown by the single pediatrician in Forest Lake. Rather than spending time looking for a better option, I just didn't worry about it considering I take a child to the dr about once every 2 years. Then the pediatrician left the clinic around the time Kai was born, and we also switched insurance to cut costs and have more freedom of choice since we would now pay for everything. I started asking around to come up with a MD who has similar values (natural healing first, no vaccines, homeopathics), and came up with a single name of a Dr within 25 miles of here. I was ecstatic to find out she was actually in network with the new insurance company! (Which would reduce my cost and count toward my deductible.) I decided as little as my kids go to the dr it was worth the drive to Minneapolis. I asked Shayna about her (since the peds at this clinic also work at HCMC) and found out Shayna works with her and would recommend her.
Ever since then I have been waiting for a chance to go to the Dr and start this relationship! But no such luck with the healthy kids. A couple of questionable times, I called to find no appointment was available, and ended up as usual having success with my home remedies. Yesterday Kavan's "diaper rash" (he may be potty trained but still gets SO wet overnight) had gotten so bad that I knew it was infected and didn't feel comfortable self-diagnosing it to be yeast or bacterial. I was able to get an appointment in a couple hours! So Ben came home from work and off we went in the wet snowfall to Minneapolis. The weather REALLY made me question what I was doing picking a dr so far away. I prayed to God that it would be worth it and that we would like this dr. I was nervous that she'd be busy (they'd squeezed me in) and try to rush me through. I was nervous about finding the clinic. I was nervous about parking. I was nervous about being in a waiting room forever with a room full of sick kids.
The clinic was easy to find, parking a breeze, waiting room empty, no wait, friendliest nurse ever, and even friendlier doctor! I LOVED her. She took her time with me and answered a lot of questions. In addition she gave advice about somewhat unrelated issues with Kav's skin and potential allergies, and referred me to a chiropractor who does a special kind of testing for food allergies that is beyond what they can do in medicine. She diagnosed him right away with a staph infection and told me we'd try to avoid oral antibiotics for now but gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream. She thought I'd likely need that, but when she sensed my preference for natural methods she gave me an informative handout on some other things to try first, including a recipe for skin infections using herbal tinctures. She advised using Calendula, giving vitamin C and drinking carrot juice. She asked me where I got those things in Forest Lake, and I sadly described my drive to Shoreview to shop at Fresh and Natural. As she said goodbye she said "Now go to Whole Foods while you're down here!"
I did not try to find Whole Foods since I knew it was in the opposite direction of my trip home, but my usual store was right on the way home and we stopped to buy the herbs. While I sat in the natural pharmacy aisle forever trying to figure out exactly what I needed, Kav entertained the store workers with several rounds of Jingle Bells. It was hard to spend so much more than I would have on the prescription drug, but I was thankful I could use my HSA since it was a dr's Rx.
A day later the infection seems to be gone. He's just scabbed up now. And Kav loves his carrot juice!
I can't wait to go back to the dr!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
#57
How could I have forgotten the Holidazzle?! We dragged Ben downtown, and for the looks on the kids' faces as they saw human Christmas lights dancing in the street it was so worth it.
And I got to hang out with my sisters! A fun, spontaneous event for all.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
"Christmasy"
How does it feel like Christmas? I've noticed that the older I get, the faster Christmas comes and goes and the less I "feel" like it's Christmas. A week ago it did not feel the least bit like Christmas and I knew I had to be proactive to change the atmosphere around here and create an enjoyable Christmas. I realized the Christmas feeling was about memories created during childhood, and that I now have the opportunity to enjoy that all over again with my own children. I sought out all things "Christmasy", and today I am satisfied with a holiday season that will soon be over but was not forgotten. So here it is, the planned highlights and captured spontaneous moments. Please bear with me, this is sure to get long but I promise you'll have some good laughs...
The Christmasy List
1. Making plans. Considering what would make good traditions for our family. When everyone else was complaining about how busy and stressful their holiday seasons were, I was sad that we had virtually nothing going on. We added just the right amount of activities.
2. Gathering food for food shelf (I'm sure they don't get organic donations very often but that's all we had! Hopefully someone who appreciates it will end up with it.)
3. Standing out in the cold for more than an hour with the kids in line to ride on a horse-drawn carriage in downtown White Bear Lake.
16. Hearing "Merry Christmas" from my sister-in-law Jennifer and niece Bryana.
17. Attending the Eagle Brook service and getting misty-eyed as usual when dozens gave their lives to Jesus after the "It would take a miracle" series grand finale message "to restore my faith." http://www.itwouldtakeamiracle.com/ And multiply that by 18! Yes, our church had 18 services this year between the 3 locations.
18. Seeing a darling picture captured by a friend, of Kaylin and her best friend Jordan embracing in their "Christmas best." (Okay, so Jordan was in his Christmas best and Kaylin was just wearing a red snowflake sweater.)
19. Calling my sister Shayna just to make sure she had plenty of festivities to partake in despite working the majority of the holidays.
20. A Catholic Christmas Eve Service (they are more "Christmasy!" And a 4 pm service is the perfect time - entering at daylight and coming out to the darkness. NOW it is Christmas Eve.)
The Christmasy List
1. Making plans. Considering what would make good traditions for our family. When everyone else was complaining about how busy and stressful their holiday seasons were, I was sad that we had virtually nothing going on. We added just the right amount of activities.
2. Gathering food for food shelf (I'm sure they don't get organic donations very often but that's all we had! Hopefully someone who appreciates it will end up with it.)
3. Standing out in the cold for more than an hour with the kids in line to ride on a horse-drawn carriage in downtown White Bear Lake.
4. Taking the kids to see Santa, even though Kav was afraid of sitting on his lap and Kai just cried. But Kaylin asked Santa for a necklace! Which she got of course!
5. Testing Kaylin's memory of the Christmas story by asking her questions about the Nativity scene and baby Jesus over and over.
6. Finding out about a local light display to music that we could visit as a family (http://www.mnlightshow.com/)
7. Carolling 3 times. Once at a friend's annual carolling party, once at the White Bear Campus of my church on Christmas Eve afternoon, and once with a group I initiated for the 11:00 late night service in Lino Lakes.
8. Being very excited about a specific gift I have for someone.
9. Finding out a troubled friend is doing better than expected, despite the tough holiday time.
10. Last-minute shopping on the 22nd (It's nice to have a little left to do, mingling in the crazy crowds sure makes Christmas feel real! And just 3 gifts left was the right amount).
11. Calling Grandma with my condolences and to let her know the snowstorm was keeping us away from the funeral for my Grandpa, to hear her laugh about his rotten timing.
12. Putting out more decorations 2 days before Christmas because the house just didn't feel "Christmasy" enough.
13. Finally having all the ornaments on the tree! Rach had asked me a couple weeks ago if I was really able to fit them all on. I looked at my tree and thought 'hmmm...I guess it wasn't a problem' even though I remembered it seeming more full in the past. Although Ben thought it once again looked like it was about to topple over, to me it looked empty! But I didn't think much of it, and then on the 23rd when I was putting out more decorations I found my "main box" of ornaments! Ben gave me this look like "you've got to be kidding me" as I sought out branches to add this larger collection of our ornaments to.
14. Hearing Kav say "Ho Ho Ho. Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerry Christmas!" more robustly than Santa Claus.
15. Sharing Christmas Eve brunch with family we don't get to spend enough time with.
6. Finding out about a local light display to music that we could visit as a family (http://www.mnlightshow.com/)
7. Carolling 3 times. Once at a friend's annual carolling party, once at the White Bear Campus of my church on Christmas Eve afternoon, and once with a group I initiated for the 11:00 late night service in Lino Lakes.
8. Being very excited about a specific gift I have for someone.
9. Finding out a troubled friend is doing better than expected, despite the tough holiday time.
10. Last-minute shopping on the 22nd (It's nice to have a little left to do, mingling in the crazy crowds sure makes Christmas feel real! And just 3 gifts left was the right amount).
11. Calling Grandma with my condolences and to let her know the snowstorm was keeping us away from the funeral for my Grandpa, to hear her laugh about his rotten timing.
12. Putting out more decorations 2 days before Christmas because the house just didn't feel "Christmasy" enough.
13. Finally having all the ornaments on the tree! Rach had asked me a couple weeks ago if I was really able to fit them all on. I looked at my tree and thought 'hmmm...I guess it wasn't a problem' even though I remembered it seeming more full in the past. Although Ben thought it once again looked like it was about to topple over, to me it looked empty! But I didn't think much of it, and then on the 23rd when I was putting out more decorations I found my "main box" of ornaments! Ben gave me this look like "you've got to be kidding me" as I sought out branches to add this larger collection of our ornaments to.
14. Hearing Kav say "Ho Ho Ho. Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerry Christmas!" more robustly than Santa Claus.
15. Sharing Christmas Eve brunch with family we don't get to spend enough time with.
16. Hearing "Merry Christmas" from my sister-in-law Jennifer and niece Bryana.17. Attending the Eagle Brook service and getting misty-eyed as usual when dozens gave their lives to Jesus after the "It would take a miracle" series grand finale message "to restore my faith." http://www.itwouldtakeamiracle.com/ And multiply that by 18! Yes, our church had 18 services this year between the 3 locations.
18. Seeing a darling picture captured by a friend, of Kaylin and her best friend Jordan embracing in their "Christmas best." (Okay, so Jordan was in his Christmas best and Kaylin was just wearing a red snowflake sweater.)
19. Calling my sister Shayna just to make sure she had plenty of festivities to partake in despite working the majority of the holidays.
20. A Catholic Christmas Eve Service (they are more "Christmasy!" And a 4 pm service is the perfect time - entering at daylight and coming out to the darkness. NOW it is Christmas Eve.)
21. Hearing the most beautiful original Christmas song, written and delivered by my friend Jennifer at the service. "What would you give, to find a true friend, Jesus is right here, if you let him him... This is the night, silent night... he wants to know you... he wants to love you... this is the gift... this is your gift this Christmas Day... Jesus wants to mend the pieces, just let him in."
22. "Letting it go" more than once when arguing with Ben over insignificant things.
23. Talking about Santa Claus last minute, explaining what will happen that night. I am thankful my kids view Christmas as being primarily about baby Jesus, but to add some excitement to their nights I thought I'd better clue them in to the santa stuff the other kids are buzzing about!
24. Inviting over a poor lost soul (just kidding Sam!) who had no one else to spend Christmas Eve with, and having it be someone who brings with her a link to the experiences of Christmas past, and who I love to spend time with!
25. Inventing kiddie cocktails and serving them in fancy wine glasses to my kids (Perrier water, cranberry juice and apple juice). Being amazed they did not spill!!!
26. Not funny but funny - Kaylin saying to me "Mommy, you look fat like Santa Claus in that red shirt." Note to self: you've had 3 kids! Stop wearing low-rise pants!
27. The attempt at the "first Christmas picture of all 3 kids" in their dressy outfits after the last service, achieving somewhat with one shot out of ?!?
34. Getting 6 hours of sleep in a row!
35. Taking the usual pics of the tree with the gifts underneath, and the kids seeing it for the first time, only to find out they were more enthralled with all the new ornaments on the tree!
36. Seeing that for the most part both Kaylin and Kav could open their own presents now.
37. Seeing Kai actually being entertained by his new toys. Being SO thankful I gave in and bought my 3rd child some new things when he doesn't "need" anything at all. He got only 4 things, but I am excited he finally has some age-appropriate toys he's not bored with. He loves his leap frog activity table. I know I won't have to hold him as much this week!
22. "Letting it go" more than once when arguing with Ben over insignificant things.
23. Talking about Santa Claus last minute, explaining what will happen that night. I am thankful my kids view Christmas as being primarily about baby Jesus, but to add some excitement to their nights I thought I'd better clue them in to the santa stuff the other kids are buzzing about!
24. Inviting over a poor lost soul (just kidding Sam!) who had no one else to spend Christmas Eve with, and having it be someone who brings with her a link to the experiences of Christmas past, and who I love to spend time with!
25. Inventing kiddie cocktails and serving them in fancy wine glasses to my kids (Perrier water, cranberry juice and apple juice). Being amazed they did not spill!!!
26. Not funny but funny - Kaylin saying to me "Mommy, you look fat like Santa Claus in that red shirt." Note to self: you've had 3 kids! Stop wearing low-rise pants!
27. The attempt at the "first Christmas picture of all 3 kids" in their dressy outfits after the last service, achieving somewhat with one shot out of ?!?
28. Sharing our last bottle of wine from Italy, a dessert wine we've been saving for a very special occasion. It's about time! I need to learn to "enjoy life," not "save life." (Be Here Now!)
29. Wrapping presents late into the evening. Trying to enjoy the once-a-year opportunity instead of as usual, wishing I was done by now.
30. Listening to Shayna and the Madrigals sing carols on the Christmas Party Mix CD Shayna made me about 6 years ago.
31. Attending a 3rd Eagle Brook service for the day (just to carol this time and the last time).
32. Being thankful for the opportunity to participate in this late night service, which would be my choice every year if it wasn't for kids needing to sleep!
33. Staying up until 1, not because wrapping went that late, but because Ben and I were thoroughly enjoying and laughing at old video clips of the kids at various stages, especially the one where Kaylin is nursing her Care Bear.
29. Wrapping presents late into the evening. Trying to enjoy the once-a-year opportunity instead of as usual, wishing I was done by now.
30. Listening to Shayna and the Madrigals sing carols on the Christmas Party Mix CD Shayna made me about 6 years ago.
31. Attending a 3rd Eagle Brook service for the day (just to carol this time and the last time).
32. Being thankful for the opportunity to participate in this late night service, which would be my choice every year if it wasn't for kids needing to sleep!
33. Staying up until 1, not because wrapping went that late, but because Ben and I were thoroughly enjoying and laughing at old video clips of the kids at various stages, especially the one where Kaylin is nursing her Care Bear.
34. Getting 6 hours of sleep in a row!
35. Taking the usual pics of the tree with the gifts underneath, and the kids seeing it for the first time, only to find out they were more enthralled with all the new ornaments on the tree!
36. Seeing that for the most part both Kaylin and Kav could open their own presents now.
37. Seeing Kai actually being entertained by his new toys. Being SO thankful I gave in and bought my 3rd child some new things when he doesn't "need" anything at all. He got only 4 things, but I am excited he finally has some age-appropriate toys he's not bored with. He loves his leap frog activity table. I know I won't have to hold him as much this week! 38. Snow on Christmas Day (after explaining to Ben the night before how I was glad we finally have a "White Christmas," but I didn't remember the last time it actually SNOWED for Christmas!)
44. Marveling at how no matter what you get your children, their favorite gifts are stickers, and also that they will always like each other's gifts better than their own.
39. Receiving the first call of the day from my sister-in-law Mollie to wish us a wonderful day (it was just as wonderful to hear she is spending her day with very supportive friends in her life!)
40. The phone call from Ben's mom to tell us they're thinking of us today even though they can't be here.
41. Kaylin's excitement to tell all the callers today what she got.
42. Wearing pajamas all Christmas morning and into the afternoon.
43. Kaylin excelling at her Dora video game system on the first try.
40. The phone call from Ben's mom to tell us they're thinking of us today even though they can't be here.
41. Kaylin's excitement to tell all the callers today what she got.
42. Wearing pajamas all Christmas morning and into the afternoon.
43. Kaylin excelling at her Dora video game system on the first try.
44. Marveling at how no matter what you get your children, their favorite gifts are stickers, and also that they will always like each other's gifts better than their own.45. Getting the Merry Christmas call from Rachel even though we will celebrate together in a few days and she is at her in-laws.
46. Being proud of myself for munching on veggies and my homemade dill dip all day when the rest of the world is eating cookies. But only because we simply didn't have any. Or wait, was it the "fat like Santa" comment?
47. Receiving tea from more than one person I love, to support my latest health kick!
Reheating tea in the toaster oven at least ten times because my kids don't need me any less today than any other day.
47. Receiving tea from more than one person I love, to support my latest health kick!
Reheating tea in the toaster oven at least ten times because my kids don't need me any less today than any other day.
48. Reading a children's book about the very first Christmas, in front of the fireplace together.
49. Getting a Christmas call from my dad, even without a reminder from a wife...
50. Who of course is my mom, and it was heartwarming to find out she gave up her Christmas at home to be with her mother while she mourns.
51. Driving to see Christmas lights tonight, and being very impressed with the musical light display mentioned above! For sure a new addition to the tradition list.
52. Eating organic chocolate ice cream with Ben to make up for the veggies.
50. Who of course is my mom, and it was heartwarming to find out she gave up her Christmas at home to be with her mother while she mourns.
51. Driving to see Christmas lights tonight, and being very impressed with the musical light display mentioned above! For sure a new addition to the tradition list.
52. Eating organic chocolate ice cream with Ben to make up for the veggies.
53. Engaging in productive conversation to establish the need to prioritize the kids more and to continue "downsizing" our lives.
54. Asking Ben to keep the Christmas lights on when he was heading upstairs for bed. "Wait! It's not over yet! I had one more hour here to enjoy my favorite musical lights (sound off for now of course) that have become as much a part of the holidays as anything for me.
55. Knowing that Christmas Day wasn't complete without calling my Grandma and Grandpa Robinson who we always spent the day with in the past. Being thankful they're night owls and I knew they'd still be up at 10!
56. Being completely astonished that I just wrote a list of 54 things that helped me to experience Christmas... Going back to add a couple more to the list, "combining" with others because I don't want to renumber them all!
57. Dreading tomorrow because I just stayed up until after midnight uploading pics to break up this blog and make it more readable. :)
Merry Christmas, and good night!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Entertaining the Delivery Guy
I need to record this funny story before it's gone from my memory. I want to be able to look back at these times and laugh as a family.
And besides, despite the occasions were I write my deep intellectual musings my readers seem to prefer cute stories from my kids. :)
Last night in attempt to ease the stress of our day we ordered a pizza. (yes, we are normal once in awhile!)
Ben had set out the money by the front door on the ledge and when the delivery guy got there it was gone. The guy waited while he looked around the ledge and then asked the kids what happened to it.
"Kavan took it!" Kaylin was happy to chime in.
"Did you take it Kav?" "yeah" (grinning ear to ear)
"Where did he put it?" (Ben)
"Kaylin, please go show us right now where it is." (me)
She hops down from the table, "It's in his money bank" and heads upstairs. Meanwhile we finally let the delivery guy in out of the cold. I followed Kaylin to two blue piggy banks in Kav's room where she explained the quarters were in one and the paper in the other. I couldn't get them open!
I brought down the piggy banks to Ben where the delivery guy is just laughing. He pried the bottom things off and shook out the cash and even the coupon.
Ben didn't think it was funny! Hopefully he'll finally get a laugh when he reads this. :)
Another new thing yesterday - Kaylin has started imitating our spelling to each other (you know, when you say to your spouse "do you want them to have a s-n-a-c-k?")
"Mom, Kavan just called Madelynn a p-o-s-s-t!"
We're still working on the tattling thing...
And besides, despite the occasions were I write my deep intellectual musings my readers seem to prefer cute stories from my kids. :)
Last night in attempt to ease the stress of our day we ordered a pizza. (yes, we are normal once in awhile!)
Ben had set out the money by the front door on the ledge and when the delivery guy got there it was gone. The guy waited while he looked around the ledge and then asked the kids what happened to it.
"Kavan took it!" Kaylin was happy to chime in.
"Did you take it Kav?" "yeah" (grinning ear to ear)
"Where did he put it?" (Ben)
"Kaylin, please go show us right now where it is." (me)
She hops down from the table, "It's in his money bank" and heads upstairs. Meanwhile we finally let the delivery guy in out of the cold. I followed Kaylin to two blue piggy banks in Kav's room where she explained the quarters were in one and the paper in the other. I couldn't get them open!
I brought down the piggy banks to Ben where the delivery guy is just laughing. He pried the bottom things off and shook out the cash and even the coupon.
Ben didn't think it was funny! Hopefully he'll finally get a laugh when he reads this. :)
Another new thing yesterday - Kaylin has started imitating our spelling to each other (you know, when you say to your spouse "do you want them to have a s-n-a-c-k?")
"Mom, Kavan just called Madelynn a p-o-s-s-t!"
We're still working on the tattling thing...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Update on the K's
It makes me sad that the cute quotes are coming and going so quickly without having been recorded. I just can't keep up. Due to crazy days, not too many quotes! In fact the kids have been less than cute the majority of the time lately. However I am trying to seek out the positive, and here are some updates from what I can recall in the last few weeks...
Kai - I enjoy even the difficult moments. I will miss having a baby. At times I love that he's about 3 months behind developmentally and still looks and acts like a baby at almost a year old.
He gives us hugs. It is so sweet. When we hold him in our arms he wraps his arms around our necks and squeezes in tight. He does his own unique variation of a crawl. He uses his elbows and toes mostly, and is just starting to use his knees too. But he has yet to get his tummy up off the ground. He loves paper. We've thrown away many ripped soggy book corners.
Kavan - (see Kaylin. he copies everything she does). He doesn't have a lot of his own cute quotes yet, but somehow every single thing he says is hilarious. He sounds so grown up when he says things like "I have a question." He doesn't sound so grown up when he tries to see how much he can get away with talking about poop. I suppose I shouldn't be bothered by his fascination with "all things potty" since he was trained at such a young age. I did get one laugh out of this topic. Kaylin called into the bathroom when Kav was in there "are you going number 1 or number 2 Kav?" and he called back "number 9!"
Kaylin - Now here's where I try not to write a book.
She is learning about gloating. She is learning to not laugh at Kav when he gets in trouble. Upon a recent scolding about this she said "Mommy, my feelings started to laugh."
She is learning how to manipulate me with my soft spot: "Mommy, I'm going to say thank you in French in a little bit when you give me some honey."
She asks often how to say things in French. And, "how do you say French in Spanish?"
She wants a sister. Sometimes she is fine with her doll being her sister.
Many sentences start with "when I grow up" and "when I turn 5". "When I grow up and turn into a mom and a princess..." Is that what's next?! I'm still waiting to be a princess!
She seeks affirmation when she is proud of an accomplishment "Say good job mom!"
In true female fashion she adds many unnecessary words to each sentence. A phrase may just end like this "sometimes maybe if we do that like yesterday when you said we can do that someday i think maybe sometimes, right mommy?"
Kai - I enjoy even the difficult moments. I will miss having a baby. At times I love that he's about 3 months behind developmentally and still looks and acts like a baby at almost a year old.
He gives us hugs. It is so sweet. When we hold him in our arms he wraps his arms around our necks and squeezes in tight. He does his own unique variation of a crawl. He uses his elbows and toes mostly, and is just starting to use his knees too. But he has yet to get his tummy up off the ground. He loves paper. We've thrown away many ripped soggy book corners.
Kavan - (see Kaylin. he copies everything she does). He doesn't have a lot of his own cute quotes yet, but somehow every single thing he says is hilarious. He sounds so grown up when he says things like "I have a question." He doesn't sound so grown up when he tries to see how much he can get away with talking about poop. I suppose I shouldn't be bothered by his fascination with "all things potty" since he was trained at such a young age. I did get one laugh out of this topic. Kaylin called into the bathroom when Kav was in there "are you going number 1 or number 2 Kav?" and he called back "number 9!"
Kaylin - Now here's where I try not to write a book.
She is learning about gloating. She is learning to not laugh at Kav when he gets in trouble. Upon a recent scolding about this she said "Mommy, my feelings started to laugh."
She is learning how to manipulate me with my soft spot: "Mommy, I'm going to say thank you in French in a little bit when you give me some honey."
She asks often how to say things in French. And, "how do you say French in Spanish?"
She wants a sister. Sometimes she is fine with her doll being her sister.
Many sentences start with "when I grow up" and "when I turn 5". "When I grow up and turn into a mom and a princess..." Is that what's next?! I'm still waiting to be a princess!
She seeks affirmation when she is proud of an accomplishment "Say good job mom!"
In true female fashion she adds many unnecessary words to each sentence. A phrase may just end like this "sometimes maybe if we do that like yesterday when you said we can do that someday i think maybe sometimes, right mommy?"
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Counting Grey
The other day I was shocked as I saw the shiny reflection in the mirror. "That one grey hair" I thought. I looked closer to find it was not just one. I remembered then that I had counted 4 a few months back. So I counted again. And counted and counted. It seemed to take a while as I separated them out from the masses. They are all in one spot. 11 of them. I was very sad. More confused. When did this happen? Believe it or not folks I do not know the natural cause of grey hairs. I expect it must have something to do with little sleep! My last count must have been before Kai was born. Now I'm just coming off the end of a very bad no-sleep stretch. Up 5 or 6 times a night for about 2 months in a row. This week feels hopeful, up only twice, once with Kai and once for a potty break. That doesn't include all the times between 7-8 a.m. where I continue trying to convince the kids it's not time to get up yet. Oh, and that doesn't include the first night Kaylin and Kavan shared a room! They slept about 6 hours total, in two separate chunks. They usually sleep 12. The next night they did good. Tonight not so good so far. In reality I just need to get to bed earlier. Tonight I had my small group, and it's WAY late. So to bed I go! After I move Kaylin out of my bed and back into hers... that was Sammie the babysitter's solution for tonight. Ben just called and said he had to work late :(. So my first wake-up alarm is already a guarantee... good night!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Mystery Solved
I finally figured it out! When I reveal the mystery and then the solution, I realize it's going to sound all too obvious. Like it shouldn't have taken me this long to figure it out. But it did.
In the last few years since having kids I've been trying to figure out why I'm so stressed and overwhelmed all the time. I've talked to other moms buried by their to-do lists and to a certain extent I think it's normal to be a mother of young children and a little short on time. But it's so much more than a house that's always behind on cleaning, dishes on the counter and laundry on the couch for me. I've tried to simplify my life as much as possible and I certainly have lowered my expectations for the state of my house. The only thing that seems could be cut out is work (not really, financially). But I've failed to figure out why I can't work part-time, keep a home in an organized state, raise respectful children and have a happy spouse. Why does it seem other moms can do this, working part-time or even full-time? Okay, so I actually don't know of any women personally who work full-time and don't feel constantly guilty due to feeling like their children or husband get the short end of the stick while they try to balance it all... but certainly there are many part-time moms out there who seem to have it all together! So why can't I work part-time and not feel completely overwhelmed all the time?
The long-awaited answer to this dilemma? I don't have child care. Duh. Other women that work have child care. What I've discovered to be ultimately the most time-consuming strain on me is my business, although at first glance it seems I work so little. But the constant "little things" involved add up to a lot. Communication with current and prospective clients, marketing, record keeping, accounting, arranging details for classes, scheduling appointments...
I try to do all this while at the same time handling my 3 little interruptions. I absolutely hate that I even think of them that way. I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom, and now instead of focusing my days and energy on them, I see them as always in the way. What's the most ridiculous, is that what I could probably accomplish in 10 focused hours of work a week, I instead spread out into a weeklong attempt to squeeze out every spare minute I can get. My children pay the price during what seems like a 50 hour work week! Lately I've wondered if they wouldn't be better off in day care! However, I don't really think that, and I also don't make enough money to pay for even one half day a week of childcare for 3 kids. As a business owner, the most time-consuming responsibilities are the ones you don't get paid for!
So the dilemma remains. For now Ben and I have attempted to come up with a solution, him watching the kids more, but the schedule still doesn't give me enough hours, and I worry about the negative effect on our marriage - less time spent together, and ... he's not always in a happy mood after dealing with all 3 kids even for an hour. I know things will get easier for him when Kai's no longer a nursing baby who wants to be held all the time. There is hope in the future. Hopefully we can hang in there until then.
P.S. How did I have time to write this? Currently I'm paying somebody "babysitting chips" so I can get this much needed 1-hour period of stress relief at Caribou. I really do feel better after I write!
In the last few years since having kids I've been trying to figure out why I'm so stressed and overwhelmed all the time. I've talked to other moms buried by their to-do lists and to a certain extent I think it's normal to be a mother of young children and a little short on time. But it's so much more than a house that's always behind on cleaning, dishes on the counter and laundry on the couch for me. I've tried to simplify my life as much as possible and I certainly have lowered my expectations for the state of my house. The only thing that seems could be cut out is work (not really, financially). But I've failed to figure out why I can't work part-time, keep a home in an organized state, raise respectful children and have a happy spouse. Why does it seem other moms can do this, working part-time or even full-time? Okay, so I actually don't know of any women personally who work full-time and don't feel constantly guilty due to feeling like their children or husband get the short end of the stick while they try to balance it all... but certainly there are many part-time moms out there who seem to have it all together! So why can't I work part-time and not feel completely overwhelmed all the time?
The long-awaited answer to this dilemma? I don't have child care. Duh. Other women that work have child care. What I've discovered to be ultimately the most time-consuming strain on me is my business, although at first glance it seems I work so little. But the constant "little things" involved add up to a lot. Communication with current and prospective clients, marketing, record keeping, accounting, arranging details for classes, scheduling appointments...
I try to do all this while at the same time handling my 3 little interruptions. I absolutely hate that I even think of them that way. I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom, and now instead of focusing my days and energy on them, I see them as always in the way. What's the most ridiculous, is that what I could probably accomplish in 10 focused hours of work a week, I instead spread out into a weeklong attempt to squeeze out every spare minute I can get. My children pay the price during what seems like a 50 hour work week! Lately I've wondered if they wouldn't be better off in day care! However, I don't really think that, and I also don't make enough money to pay for even one half day a week of childcare for 3 kids. As a business owner, the most time-consuming responsibilities are the ones you don't get paid for!
So the dilemma remains. For now Ben and I have attempted to come up with a solution, him watching the kids more, but the schedule still doesn't give me enough hours, and I worry about the negative effect on our marriage - less time spent together, and ... he's not always in a happy mood after dealing with all 3 kids even for an hour. I know things will get easier for him when Kai's no longer a nursing baby who wants to be held all the time. There is hope in the future. Hopefully we can hang in there until then.
P.S. How did I have time to write this? Currently I'm paying somebody "babysitting chips" so I can get this much needed 1-hour period of stress relief at Caribou. I really do feel better after I write!
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